Under the microscope: interview: “LINGUATRONIC in Mandarin for the first time”

Denise Amelung, 26, from Telematics Product Management is responsible for the new telematics generation’s head units. We spoke to her about the challenges that development work brings with it.

All the time new roads are being built, and routing changed. How can Mercedes drivers be sure that they will always reach their destination?

Mercedes-Benz customers receive the latest map updates for their COMAND Online multimedia system free of charge for three years. Authorised Mercedes-Benz dealers will upload map updates into the navigation system when the car is brought to their premises.

How is your work influenced by the fact that Mercedes vehicles are sold in many different markets all over the globe?

Amelung: Globalisation is a huge issue for us. In China we are offering the LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system in Mandarin for the first time in the new C-Class. Another example is the “One Shot” input for the navigation system, whereby it is possible to state the place and road directly after one another. This function is currently available in seven languages and marks a considerable increase in ease of operation.

How does Mercedes-Benz ensure that, for instance, the phone book functions work with any mobile phone without any problems?

Amelung: By carrying out extensive tests with a lot of mobile phones. One problem that can occur, for example, is that the standardised Bluetooth profiles are implemented differently by the mobile phone manufacturers. At www.mercedes-benz.com/connect Mercedes drivers about the optimum use and adjustment of their mobile phone in combination with their car. Incidentally, it is not just the many different mobile phone models that make the matter so complex. Our developers are also testing numerous audio players, SD cards and USB storage media with various formats, for instance.